The U.S. Army Chaplains Guide
to Wicca

A guide to Wicca for U.S. Military chaplins.

EXTRACT FROM Religious Requirements and Practices
of Certain Selected Groups: a Handbook for Chaplains

U.S. Government Publication No.008-020-00745-5

Historical roots: Witchcraft is the ancient Pagan faith
of Europe. This nature-oriented, agricultural, magical religion
had no central organisation, but was passed through families.
During the Christian era, particularly after the beginning of
the systematic persecution of Witches in 1484, almost all the
public expression of the Craft disappeared. Surviving in hidden
and isolated places, Witchcraft has made a comeback in the twentieth
century, partially spurred by the repeal of the last British Witchcraft
Laws in 1951.

Current World Leadership: No central authority. Many
Witches have, however, affiliated with the American Council of
Witches, formed in 1974, to provide a structure for co-operation
and mutual sharing.

Origins in the U.S.: Brought to the U.S. in the 17th
century by immigrants from Europe. Since then, many Witches from
many ethnic and national traditions have brought their religious
practises to the New World. It survived in the isolation of rural
settings and the anonymity in the city. The 1960's saw a significant
revival of the Craft, and many Witches and "Covens"
(local groups) became at least partially public. Many discovered
others of like mind through the emerging Pagan press. A meeting
in Minneapolis formed the American Council of Witches (1974) and
a statement entitled "Principles of Wiccan Beliefs"
was adopted.

Number of Adherents in the U.S.: Unknown: Between 10,000
and 100,000.

Organizational Structure: The basic structure is the
Coven (local group) with 5 to 50 members (ideally 12-15) led by
a High Priestess or High Priest. The Priest and/or Priestess derives
authority from initiation by another Witch. Some Covens are tied
together in fraternal relationships and acknowledge authority
of a Priestess or Priest from whom orders are derived. Many are
totally autonomous.

Leadership and Role of Priestess and/or Priest: The
High Priestess and/or High Priest has authority for the Coven.
Witches pass through three degrees as they practise the Craft:
acknowledges one as a full member of the Coven and initiates the
process of mastering the skills of a Witch; recognizes growth
in ability and admits one to all the inner secrets; and admits
one to the priesthood.

Who may conduct Worship services?: A High Priestess
or Priest.

Is group worship required?: No, but it is encouraged.

Worship requirements: None, but Witches are expected
to practise their faith, which includes mastering magick, ritual,
and psychic development and the regular worship of the Wiccan
Deities.

Minimum Requirements for Worship: The athame, or ritual
knife; the pentacle, a metal disc inscribed with magical symbols;
a chalice; and a sword. Various traditions will demand other items.

Facilities for Worship: Witches worship within a magick
circle that is inscribed on the ground or the floor. The circle
should be located so as to insure the privacy of the rituals.

Other Specific Religious Requirements other than Worship
(see above): None.

Dietary Laws or Restrictions: None.

Special Religious Holidays: The four great festivals
are seasonal: Spring Equinox, March 21; Summer Solstice,or Midsummer,
June 21; Autumn Equinox, September 21; Yule, or Winter Solstice,
December 22

These are joined by four cross festivals related to the agricultural
and herd-raising year: Candlemas, February 2; May Eve, or Beltane,
April 30; Lammas, July 31; Hallowe'en, October 31

Besides these eight, most Wiccan groups meet either weekly
or bi-weekly (on the full and new moon).

Funeral and Burial Requirements: Practices vary widely.
In case of death, the Coven to which the Witch belongs should
be contacted.

Cremation: Many prefer it, but the local Coven should
be consulted.

Autopsy: Generally no restrictions.

Medical Treatment: No restrictions.

Uniform Appearance Requirements: None are proscribed.

Position on Service in the Armed Forces: No official
stance. Many witches are presently military personnel, while others
are conscientious objectors, derived, from the generally pro-life
stance of Wicca.

Is a Priest or Priestess required at time of death?:
No.

Any practices or teaching that may conflict with military
directives or practices: None, generally, though individual
covens may have some. The local Coven should be contacted if specific
questions arise.

Basic teachings and beliefs: Underlying agreements are
summed up in the "Principles of Wiccan Beliefs" adopted
by the American Council of Witches. Specific expressions of beliefs
will vary widely, due to the ethnic roots or the traditions of
the individual covens.

Creedal statements and/or authoritative literature (see
also Basic belief): All Witches use two books, a Grimoire, or
book of spells and magical procedures, and a book of shadows,
or book of ritual. Each Coven will use a different grimoire and/or
book of shadows.

Ethical practices: Wiccan ethics are summed up in the
Law called the Wiccan Rede, "An Ye Harm None, Do As Ye Will".

How does Witchcraft recruit new members?: Witches do
not proselytize, but they welcome inquiries from those who hear
about the Craft by either word of mouth or the media.

Relationship with other religions: Co-operations with
the whole pagan community is very high. Relations with other religions
are cordial, except those groups which have sought to persecute
or defame the Craft.